Description

Loggerhead Turtles

Loggerhead Darkness

From the months of May to late October it’s time for darkness. Darkness for the wildlife that we are so fortunate to have on Folly Beach. Loggerhead sea turtles are in the midst of nesting season and soon there will be tons of little loggerhead sea turtles running towards the waves of Folly Beach.

Darkness on The Edge of Town

Keeping all unnecessary lights off throughout the night is vital to the health and longevity of the baby sea turtles. Unnecessary lights are a big reason why some loggerhead sea turtles become disoriented. Once the sea turtles hatch they are attracted to light and they are supposed to be attracted to the natural light that comes off the ocean. With them hatching at night that is supposed to be the brightest light they can find. It is imperative that these creatures make it to the ocean, so they can begin to find the protein and nutrients needed for them to grow healthy and strong.

Blinded by The Light

Artificial lights are a big harm to the sea turtles and one of the biggest reasons for disorientation. These baby sea turtles are naturally attracted to the brightest light they see in their vicinity. The brightest light they need to see in order to live a healthy and proper life is the light reflection off the ocean. However, with street lights, house lights, phone lights, car lights, and even more it tough for the ocean to be the brightest light to guide these new born creatures. If the turtles, see a light that isn’t the ocean they are prone to follow it and see where it takes them. This leads to them burning their energy and protein, which is needed for them to swim out in the ocean and begin to feed on the Sargassum seaweed, which is found some 60 miles off shore.

Do Your Part

Do your part, be an active and helpful citizen to the place we and many other creatures call home, Folly Beach. Turn off your unnecessary lights, keep the beaches clean, and help the marine life of Folly Beach thrive in ways that it never has before. The loggerhead sea turtles call Folly Beach home like many of us, and it’s time for us to do our part in making sure they can live and survive to their fullest potential. Folly Beach takes their wildlife very seriously, if a sea turtle is disoriented by an artificial light, the maximum federal fine is $25,000, and violating any local or county light ordinances can lead up to $500 worth of fines. Help the loggerhead sea turtles and help Folly Beach, do your part and continue to make Folly Beach a great place to visit and live for everyone that calls it home.